Dr. D. Gene Miller, DVM, age 92, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veterinarian, brother, and friend entered Heaven’s gates triumphantly on October 11, 2022. He loved the Lord with a servant’s heart and leaves a void in our family that can never be filled.
Gene was born March 13, 1930, in Shanesville, Ohio, and was a lifetime resident of Sugarcreek, known affectionately as “Doc” in the village where he practiced animal medicine for 50 years, first at Sugarcreek Veterinary Clinic, and then rural services.
A son of the late Ray and Anna (Hostetler) Miller, Gene graduated Valedictorian of his Sugarcreek-Shanesville High Class of 1948, where he excelled at basketball, baseball, and track.
He attended Bluffton College and graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1955.
He was a veteran of the US Air Force. A longtime dedicated member of First Mennonite Church of Sugarcreek, Gene formerly served as Trustee and on numerous committees. He was a proud and loyal supporter of Garaway School District, serving on the Scholarship committee for many years. He had great civic pride and served the Sugarcreek Rotary Club for 55 years. He was a member of The Ohio State University’s President’s Club, a Life Member of Alpine Hills Historical Society, the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau, and a member of the Veterinarian’s Association at county, state, and federal levels. Gene enjoyed spending time at the family farm outside Sugarcreek on Cherry Ridge Dr.
Gene leaves his devoted wife of nearly 70 years, JoAnne Buffington Miller, whom he married October 30, 1954. Gene and JoAnne together created wonderful family memories, leaving a legacy of hard work, dedication and love. Gene was deeply invested in the lives of all his children and grandchildren, imparting to them his core values and sense of discipline.Grieving their father’s passing are: Scott and wife Carolyn Miller of Dover, OH and
Julie and husband Bryan Stocker of Gnadenhutten, OH. He is surely now embracing his son David Miller who preceded him in death in 2012, and his brother Darrell Miller. Saddened by the loss of their grandpa are: Hank, Bailey, Hayden, Isabela and Sidney Stocker and Ryan, Sarah and Nina Miller, and great grandchildren: Sophia and Arya Miranda. Also surviving is Gene’s brother Keith and wife Gloria Miller of Walnut Creek, OH.
The family will greet guests on Saturday, October 15, 2022, from 10-10:45 AM at the First Mennonite Church in Sugarcreek. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 11 AM at the Church with Pastor Mike Gehman officiating. Arrangements are being handled by Smith-Varns Funeral Home in Sugarcreek.
Memorial gifts can be made to First Mennonite Church, Garaway Scholarship fund, or Sugarcreek Rotary.
To send flowers to the family of Donald, please visit our floral store.
Smith-Varns Funeral Home
330-852-2141
www.smithfuneralhomesugarcreek.com